The 7 best ways Uber and Lyft drivers can rent a car

November 28, 2018

What do you do when you want to drive for Uber or Lyft but you don’t own an eligible car? You rent! By doing so, you join a growing number of drivers who choose to rent a car for their rideshare jobs.
It’s best to connect with a company that is experienced in helping rideshare drivers. Reputable car rental companies will offer perks such as:

Unlimited miles.

Included scheduled maintenance.

An insurance card with your name on it, as required by Uber.

Documents certifying that vehicles have already been approved by Uber and Lyft.

Keeping up with Uber and Lyft standards

Did you know that Uber and Lyft can approve you as a driver even if you don’t currently have a vehicle? They’ll let you apply and see if you pass the background check before you commit to renting a car. So be sure to get approved to drive before you rent. The initial application process only takes a few days or, in some instances, a week.
Uber’s standards vary by city, but there are a few basic requirements you’ll have to meet before becoming an Uber-approved driver. For instance, drivers must be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
The standards for vehicles are stricter. Uber generally requires a car to be a 2003 model or newer with seating and seatbelts for four passengers, not including the driver. The car must also be free of cosmetic damage and able to pass a vehicle inspection by a licensed mechanic.
Lyft has similar standards. They require a mechanical and cosmetic inspection and, in some cities, require that the car be a 2006 model or newer.

The best places to rent a car when you’re a rideshare driver

These car rental options are invaluable to new and experienced drivers alike.

1. RideShare Rental

RideShare Rental is the fastest way to start driving for Uber and Lyft. They rent high-quality vehicles to rideshare drivers while providing the necessary insurance and maintenance. You can find RideShare Rental locations across the United States in cities like San Diego, Chicago, Baltimore, Dallas, Los Angeles, and more. The company is growing quickly as more and more rideshare drivers opt for the convenience of renting a car.

2. Fair App

Fair claims it isn’t a lease or a rental but “something else entirely.” Recently, they have partnered with Uber to get drivers into cars without long-term contracts. They are currently operating in cities like Philadelphia and Seattle, but hopefully, by the end of this year they’ll expand into more markets. Insurance is not included in the price of the car but can be purchased for an additional fee. You can find the app in the Google Play Store and the iOS App Store.

3. Hertz

Hertz primarily provides rentals for the traditional car rental market: families on vacation and professionals traveling for work. Still, their cars can be used by rideshare drivers. Maintenance, insurance, roadside assistance, and unlimited mileage are generally included. Hertz doesn’t require a credit check, but a deposit is needed.

4. HyreCar

HyreCar is a peer-to-peer platform developed especially for Uber, Lyft, and delivery drivers. You can choose your vehicle by price, model, and location. And if you’d like to try out a vehicle, HyreCar will allow you to rent a car for two days. Longer-term rentals are also available. After confirming your booking, you contact the car owner to negotiate a time and location for pick up—but some car owners offer delivery, so be sure to ask. Downside Cars are usually older model cars and owned by single individuals

5. Private Fleet Owner

If you need to rent a car for your rideshare gig, you can connect with a private fleet owner in your city. With a private fleet owner, you can typically rent the vehicle on a weekly basis. Private fleet owners are especially popular in New York, where many of the professional drivers already have commercial insurance and specialized licensing. If you decide to rent a car from a private fleet owner, ensure that you are properly insured to drive for Uber, Lyft, or the delivery service of your choice.

6. Maven Gig

Maven Gig rents Chevrolet cars to drivers who need a vehicle to work for rideshare and delivery services like Lyft, Instacart, and Grubhub. With Maven Gig, you can rent a variety of vehicles including sedans, crossovers, and SUVs. The weekly rate includes maintenance, insurance, unlimited miles, and roadside assistance. The program is structured as a lease for an initial period of 35 days in California; outside of California, the program is structured as a 28-day rental.

7. Lyft Express Drive

This program allows you to drive with Lyft and for personal use with unlimited miles. Like the other comparable programs, insurance and standard maintenance are included. Interestingly, you may end up renting a Hertz car through this program because Lyft has recently partnered with Hertz. Lyft Express Drive is currently available in 24 cities across the United States, including Orlando, Denver, and Pittsburgh. But be aware: you won’t be able to drive for Uber and some cities require a non-refundable sign-up fee.

Making the best car rental choice

RideShare Rental is the preferable option for several reasons. Their cars are new or current model year Their approvals are quick and they don’t bully you into signing long-term contracts. Also, it’s easy to extend a rental with one click on the app. And you can rest assured that insurance and scheduled maintenance will be handled by them.

Ultimately, driving for Uber and Lyft can be a rewarding and profitable experience. Once you get approved as a driver with Uber and/or Lyft, rent a car to launch your career within the rideshare industry today.